Bloodborne pathogens resolution (12-07)
Jan 22, 2008 11:58 AM
Whereas, UFT members are at risk for occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens in blood and other potentially infectious materials, including being injured (bitten, hit, scratched, cut, etc.), assisting a nurse with medical tasks, and diapering and toileting activities; and
Whereas, the PESH Act requires employers to comply with the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (BBP) (29 CFR 1910.1030); and:
- Identify employees at risk of occupational exposure to blood and other potentially infectious materials.
- Establish a written BBP (Bloodborne Pathogens Program) exposure control plan to eliminate or minimize employee exposures.
- Provide information and training to new employees and annually to every employee.
- Designate a Site Administrator to coordinate the BBP program at the worksite.
- Use engineering controls (for example, sharps disposal containers, self-sheathing needles and safer medical devices) to isolate or remove the bloodborne pathogen hazard.
- Enforce work practice controls including universal precautions.
- Provide personal protective equipment (such as gloves, aprons, masks).
- Make available Hepatitis B vaccinations to all employees with occupational exposure within 10 days of assignment.
- Provide post-exposure follow-up to any worker who experiences an exposure incident at no cost to the employee.
- Maintain employee medical and training records, including a Sharps Injury Log.
- Dispose of regulated medical waste properly in red bags and/or sharps containers.
Whereas, the DOE has not been in compliance with the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard; and
Whereas, the New York State Department of Labor Public Employees Safety and Health Bureau has issued final citations after determining the DOE failed to abate the violations by the specified abatement dates; be it therefore
Resolved, that the UFT call upon the NYSDOL to refer these violations to the New York State Attorney General for enforcement; be it further
Resolved, that the UFT call upon Attorney General Cuomo to immediately bring court action to enforce the findings of the NYSDOL and collect the imposed penalties and require the DOE to comply with all provisions of the BBP standard.
Passed at the Dec. 12, 2007 UFT Delegate Assembly.
